How to Identify Tomato Plant Suckers

Tomatoes are a much-loved garden staple for their delicious flavors and versatility in cooking. However, tomato plants can become unruly if they're not pruned properly. One of the most important things a gardener can do is identify and remove tomato plant suckers. Suckers are small stems that grow between the main stem and the branch of the tomato plant, and they can significantly affect the plant's overall health and productivity. Here's how to identify tomato plant suckers.

What are Tomato Plant Suckers?

Before we start identifying tomato plant suckers, let's first understand what they are. Suckers are small stems that grow between the main stem and the branch of the tomato plant. They usually develop in the axil, or the angle between the main stem and the branch. Suckers are weak, unproductive growths that steal energy and nutrients from the main plant, reducing its overall productivity.

Identifying Tomato Plant Suckers

Tomato plant suckers are relatively easy to identify. They tend to grow at a 45-degree angle between the main stem and the branch, which is different from the upward growth of branches. Suckers are usually lighter in color than the main stem, and they have fewer leaves. You can also identify suckers by gently pinching the stem. If it snaps easily, it's a sucker. If it's more pliable, it's a productive stem.

The Risks of Not Removing Suckers

If left unchecked, suckers can harm the overall health and productivity of the tomato plant. Suckers are unproductive growths that steal nutrients and energy from the main plant, reducing its growth potential. This can also lead to a weaker root system, making the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases. Additionally, leaving suckers on the plant can lead to overcrowding, which reduces the air circulation between the leaves and increases the humidity, creating the perfect environment for fungal diseases like blight to thrive.

When to Remove Suckers

It's important to remove suckers regularly to keep your tomato plants healthy and productive. You should inspect your tomato plants every week to identify new suckers, and remove them as soon as they appear. It's also a good idea to remove suckers before they grow too large and become challenging to remove. You can also remove suckers when they're small by pinching them off with your fingertips or using pruning shears.

Conclusion

Identifying and removing tomato plant suckers is essential for maintaining healthy and productive tomato plants. By removing suckers, you can reduce the risk of diseases, improve air circulation, and promote the growth of larger and more flavorful tomatoes. Remember to inspect your tomato plants regularly and remove suckers as soon as they appear. With a little care and attention, your tomato plants will thrive and provide you with a bountiful harvest.